JAKARTA - Newcastle United completes the six English Premier League clubs that have qualified for the last 16 and also shows dominance in the Champions League. Newcastle eliminated Qarabag after winning 3-2 in the second playoff match at St James' Park Stadium, Wednesday, February 25, 2026 WIB.
Newcastle became the only club from the Premier League who had to play a playoff to get a ticket to the knockout round. Meanwhile, the other five clubs, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester City have already qualified automatically for the top eight.
The success of the five clubs who qualified automatically shows the dominance of the English League in European competitions. Even Arsenal, who are with Tottenham, have never lifted the trophy of the wide ears, recording a perfect record. The North London club won all the matches in the qualifying phase to occupy the top of the standings.
Newcastle, who are in 12th place, were forced to play a playoff. However, The Magpies got an easy opponent because from the draw they met Qarabag.
As a result, Newcastle beat the club from Azerbaijan with a score of 6-1 with four goals from striker Anthony Gordon in the first match. A big victory that immediately smoothed Newcastle's path in the last 16.
It turns out, Newcastle who were not strengthened by Gordon again won 3-2 when hosting Qarabag in the second match. The result made Eddie Howe's team win 9-3 on aggregate. Now there are six Premier League clubs fighting in the last 16. However, Newcastle are likely to meet Chelsea in the round or possibly face Barcelona depending on the draw.
"It's an incredible achievement to qualify for the last 16. I really suit the format [of the Champions League] now. I love it," Howe said in response to the match as quoted by the UEFA website.
"It must be admitted that we were under pressure when playing this match. However, we were able to overcome it, especially after being 2-0 ahead. The team's performance was not the best. But I'm happy because we won the match," said Howe, who did not question who Newcastle's opponent in the last 16.
"Whoever the opponent is, it will be a good match for us. Our success in passing the playoffs and qualifying for the next round has clearly given us encouragement," he said again.
Meanwhile, midfielder Sandro Tonali who opened Newcastle's victory admitted he was disappointed because the team was not consistent. They started the match very well but instead experienced a decline in the second half.
"After being 2-0 ahead, we even pulled the pedal so we played slowly. We shouldn't have done that. Throughout the second half we wasted energy. This is what made us injured. However, we are happy because we can qualify for the knockout round of the Champions League which is our goal," said the Italian national team midfielder.
In that match, Howe did not field the best team. With a 6-1 lead, they are believed to have qualified for the next round. Moreover, Newcastle took the lead immediately when the match was only four minutes. Tonali managed to break the Qarabag goal after receiving a rebound following Dan Burn's kick which could still be blocked.
Just two minutes later, Joelinton added a goal for Newcastle. He greeted Harvey Barne's cross. The score changed to 2-0 for Newcastle and lasted until the first half ended.
In the second half, Newcastle gave Qarabag the opportunity to develop the game. Even the visiting team managed to break the host's goal through Camilo Duran in the 51st minute.
However, Newcastle immediately responded to the goal by strengthening the lead through Sven Botman. His header that greeted the corner kick changed the score to 3-1.
Qarabag finally added another goal after Elvin Jafarguliyev finished the ball rebound after Marko Jankovic's penalty missed in the 57th minute. The score changed to 3-2 and lasted until the end of the match.
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